Camera module

Abstract

A camera module includes a housing, a reflection member disposed on the housing and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis, a first ball member including a plurality of ball members disposed apart from each other in a direction of the first rotation axis, and a second ball member including a plurality of ball members disposed apart from each other in a direction of the second rotation axis. The first ball member and the second ball member are disposed between the reflection member and the housing. The second ball member overlaps the reflection member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0036460, filed on March 21, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0171829, filed on November 13, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description pertains to the camera module. Background Technology

[0004] Cameras are typically found in portable electronic devices. When cameras are incorporated into smartphones, they can perform autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0005] Optical image stabilization can be achieved by moving the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or by using an axis perpendicular to the optical axis as a rotation axis to rotate the reflective component.

[0006] However, when the lens is positioned in front of the reflective element or when the reflective element has refractive power, a reduction in resolution may occur during the aforementioned optical image stabilization operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In general, the camera module includes: a housing; a reflective member disposed on the housing and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; a first spherical member including a plurality of spherical members spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first rotation axis; and a second spherical member including a plurality of spherical members spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis, wherein the first and second spherical members are disposed between the reflective member and the housing, and wherein the second spherical member overlaps with the reflective member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes.

[0009] The reflective member may have a width in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation and a length in a direction parallel to the second axis of rotation.

[0010] The spacing between multiple spherical components included in the second spherical component can be less than the length of the reflective component.

[0011] The first spherical component and the second spherical component can be arranged at different heights in directions perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes, and the first and second rotation axes can be non-intersecting.

[0012] The camera module may include a folding module and a lens module. The folding module includes a reflective member, and the lens module includes a plurality of lenses disposed in the optical axis direction and configured to move in the optical axis direction, wherein a first rotation axis may be parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0013] The folding module may include: a reflective member bracket on which the reflective member is mounted; and a rotation guide on which the reflective member bracket is supported, the reflective member bracket being supported by the rotation guide, and a first ball member inserted between the reflective member bracket and the rotation guide, and the rotation guide being supported by a housing, and a second ball member inserted between the rotation guide and the housing.

[0014] The folding module may include: a first driving unit, including a first magnet disposed on a reflective member support and a first coil disposed on the housing opposite to the first magnet; and a second driving unit, including a second magnet disposed on a rotation guide and a second coil disposed on the housing opposite to the second magnet, wherein the first coil and the second coil may be mounted on a substrate and disposed on the housing.

[0015] The folding module may include: a first sensing magnet disposed on the reflective member support and spaced apart from the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes; and a second sensing magnet disposed on the rotation guide and spaced apart from the second magnet in a diagonal direction.

[0016] The folding module may include: a first position sensor disposed on the housing to face a first sensing magnet; and a second position sensor disposed on the housing to face a second sensing magnet, wherein the first position sensor and the second position sensor may be mounted on a substrate together with a first coil and a second coil, respectively, and may be disposed on the housing.

[0017] The housing may include a stepped portion having a step at the corner where two adjacent side surfaces of the housing intersect in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the substrate may include a clearance portion having a partially cut-off shape at a position corresponding to the stepped portion.

[0018] In general, the camera module includes: a housing having an internal space; a folding module disposed in the internal space and including a reflective member; a lens module including a plurality of lenses arranged in the optical axis direction and disposed relative to the folding module in the optical axis direction; and a shielding cover coupled to the housing and configured to cover the internal space, wherein the housing and the shielding cover include stepped portions having a step in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the step being disposed at one of two corner portions adjacent to the folding module of the housing and the shielding cover.

[0019] The folding module may include: a reflective member support on which the reflective member is mounted; and a rotation guide on which the reflective member support is supported, the reflective member support being configured to rotate about a first rotation axis parallel to the optical axis, and the rotation guide being configured to rotate about a second rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0020] The folding module may include: a first spherical component disposed between the reflector support and the rotation guide; and a second spherical component disposed between the rotation guide and the housing, wherein the first spherical component and the second spherical component may be disposed in the space between the reflective surface of the reflector and the bottom surface of the housing.

[0021] The second spherical component may include a plurality of spherical components spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis, and the second spherical component may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the center of the reflective component in a direction perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes.

[0022] The second spherical component may include a plurality of spherical components spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis, and the spacing between the plurality of spherical components may be less than the length of the reflective component in the direction of the second rotation axis.

[0023] The camera module may also include a substrate configured to surround a side surface of the housing, wherein the substrate may include a clearance portion at a location corresponding to a stepped portion of the housing, the clearance portion having a partially cut-off shape.

[0024] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of an exemplary camera module after the shielding has been removed.

[0027] Figure 3An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A perspective view of a folding module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a folding module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a folding module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 The following is illustrated according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the folded module taken from line I-I'.

[0032] Figure 8 The following is illustrated according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II' of the folded module.

[0033] Figure 9 A view showing the arrangement of the drive units of a folding module according to one or more embodiments is provided.

[0034] Figure 10 A view showing the positions of a first ball member and a second ball member according to one or more embodiments is provided.

[0035] Figure 11 A view showing the state in which the shield is attached to the folding module according to one or more embodiments is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 12 A perspective view of the housing and substrate according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0037] Figure 13 A perspective view of a substrate according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0038] Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of a lens module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0039] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements unless otherwise described. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein and / or the sequence of operations described herein are merely examples and are not limited to the order set forth herein, except for the order of operations and / or the order of operations which must occur in a specific sequence, but can be varied, as will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order of operations can be performed in parallel, except for the order of operations and / or at least a portion of the order of operations which must occur in a sequence (e.g., a specific sequence). Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features known upon understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted.

[0041] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” or A, B, (a), (b), may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Each of these terms is not intended to define, for example, the importance, sequence, or order of the corresponding component, part, region, layer, or section, but only to distinguish the corresponding component, part, region, layer, or section from other components, parts, regions, layers, or sections. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as the second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0042] Throughout this specification, when a component, element, or layer is described as "on another component, element, or layer," "connected to," "attached to," or "joined to" another component, element, or layer, it may be directly "on another component, element, or layer," directly "connected to," "attached to," or "joined to" another component, element, or layer (e.g., in contact with another component, element, or layer), or one or more other components, elements, or layers may reasonably be present between that component, element, or layer and that other component, element, or layer. When a component, element, or layer is described as "directly on another component, element, or layer," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly joined to" another component, element, or layer, then there are no other components, elements, or layers between that component, element, or layer and that other component, element, or layer. Similarly, expressions such as "between" and "directly between," and "adjacent" and "directly adjacent" may also be interpreted as described above.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. As non-limiting examples, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, or alternatives to the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, while one embodiment may use the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” to indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, other embodiments may exist in which one or more of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof are absent.

[0044] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items. Phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C” are intended to have a disjunctive meaning, and these phrases also include examples in which one or more of A, B, and C may be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and embodiments require that the enumeration (e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C”) be interpreted as having a conjunctive meaning.

[0045] The features described herein may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. In this document, the use of the term “may” (e.g., regarding what an example or embodiment may include or implement) with respect to an example or embodiment means that there exists at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements such a feature, and that all examples or embodiments are not limited thereto. The terms “example” or “embodiment” as used herein have the same meaning (e.g., the phrase “in one example” has the same meaning as “in one embodiment,” and “in one or more examples” has the same meaning as “in one or more embodiments”).

[0046] One or more examples can provide camera modules with a structure suitable for miniaturization and that provide high-quality image capture.

[0047] Based on one or more examples, resolution reduction during image stabilization operations can be prevented, and the size of the camera module can be reduced.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of an exemplary camera module after the shielding has been removed.

[0049] The camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a housing 1010 having an internal space, a plurality of optical modules 1100 and 1200 disposed in the internal space, and a shield 1030 coupled to the housing 1010 to cover the internal space. Additionally, a substrate 1040 on which a drive unit or the like is mounted may be attached to the outer surface of the housing 1010, and an image sensor (not shown) may be disposed on one side of the housing 1010 in the longitudinal direction. Incident light may pass through the plurality of optical modules 1100 and 1200, may be incident on the image sensor, and may be converted into an electrical signal.

[0050] The multiple optical modules 1100 and 1200 can be a folding module 1100 and a lens module 1200, respectively.

[0051] The folding module 1100 can be configured to change the direction of light travel. For example, the folding module 1100 may include a reflective member 1110 (see...). Figure 3 Furthermore, the reflective member 1110 can change the direction of travel of light incident in the first direction (Y direction) to the second direction (Z direction).

[0052] The lens module 1200 may include a plurality of lenses disposed in a second direction (Z direction). The optical axis formed by the plurality of lenses may be parallel to the second direction (Z direction). Therefore, the optical axis direction described in one or more examples may refer to a direction parallel to the second direction (Z direction).

[0053] The shield 1030 can be attached to the housing 1010 to cover the internal space, thereby protecting the multiple optical modules 1100 and 1200. However, the shield 1030 may include an opening 1031 to allow light to enter, and external light can enter the folded module 1100 through the opening 1031.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, the shield 1030 may include a stepped portion 1033 at one of its corners. The stepped portion 1033 may have a shape in which a portion of one of its corners is cut off, and may be formed with a height step in a first direction (Y direction) relative to the upper surface of the shield 1030 in which the opening 1031 is formed. The housing 1010 may also include a stepped portion 1013 at one of its corners corresponding to the stepped portion 1033 of the shield 1030.

[0055] Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to an exemplary embodiment. In the following, it will be combined with... Figure 3 The accompanying drawings and other figures describe in detail the components included in the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0056] Figure 4 A perspective view of a folding module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the folding module according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a bottom exploded perspective view of the folding module according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment, along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the folded module taken from line I-I'. Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment, along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II' of the folded module.

[0057] The folding module 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a reflective member 1110, a reflective member support 1120, and a rotation guide 1130.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the reflecting member 1110 may be a refractive prism having refractive power and reflecting light. For example, the incident surface 1111 and the exit surface 1113 of the reflecting member 1110 may have curvature at least in their paraxial regions, thereby acting as a lens. The reflecting surface 1112 may reflect light to change the direction of light travel. According to an exemplary embodiment, the reflecting member 1110 may converge light rays passing through it. Therefore, the reflecting member 1110 may help reduce the thickness of the camera module 1000.

[0059] To reduce the thickness of the camera module 1000 and the risk of damage, the corner where the reflective surface 1112 of the reflective member 1110 intersects with the emission surface 1113 can be machined into a D-shaped cut.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 1100 can perform an image stabilization operation during image capture. The camera module 1000 can stabilize the image by rotating the reflective member 1110 about two axes perpendicular to each other. For example, the reflective member 1110 can rotate about an axis parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) (hereinafter referred to as the first rotation axis RA1) and an axis parallel to the first axis (X-axis) (hereinafter referred to as the second rotation axis RA2), wherein the first axis (X-axis) is perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the two rotation axes of the reflective member 1110 can be configured to be parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis), thereby minimizing resolution reduction during image stabilization.

[0061] The reflector support 1120 may be rotatably supported by the rotation guide 1130. For example, the reflector support 1120 may rotate about a first rotation axis RA1 relative to the rotation guide 1130. The reflector 1110 may be disposed on the reflector support 1120 and may rotate together with the reflector support 1120.

[0062] The rotation guide 1130 can be rotatably supported by the housing 1010. For example, the rotation guide 1130 can rotate relative to the housing 1010 about a second rotation axis RA2. The reflector support 1120 can be disposed on the rotation guide 1130 and can rotate together with the rotation guide 1130. The reflector 1110 can be disposed on the reflector support 1120 such that the reflector 1110 can also rotate together with the reflector support 1120.

[0063] The folding module 1100 may include a first driving unit 1140 and a second driving unit 1150, wherein the first driving unit 1140 provides a driving force for rotation about a first rotation axis RA1, and the second driving unit 1150 provides a driving force for rotation about a second rotation axis RA2.

[0064] The first driving unit 1140 may include a first magnet 1141 and a first coil 1143. The first magnet 1141 may be disposed on two side surfaces of the reflective member support 1120, and the first coil 1143 may be disposed on the housing 1010 opposite to the first magnet 1141. The first coil 1143 may be mounted on the substrate 1040.

[0065] The first magnet 1141 and the first coil 1143 can be arranged opposite each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). The N pole (or S pole), the neutral region, and the S pole (or N pole) can be sequentially arranged on a surface of the first magnet 1141 opposite to the first coil 1143 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). The direction of the second axis (Y-axis) can be a direction perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axis (X-axis).

[0066] A ball component (hereinafter referred to as the first ball component) B1 may be disposed between the reflector support 1120 and the rotation guide 1130. The reflector support 1120 may be rotatably supported by the rotation guide 1130, and the first ball component B1 is inserted between the reflector support 1120 and the rotation guide 1130.

[0067] The first spherical component B1 may include a plurality of spherical components spaced apart from each other in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), and the virtual straight line connecting the first spherical component B1 may be the first rotation axis RA1.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, the driving force for rotating the reflector 1110 and the reflector support 1120 can be generated at a location spaced apart from the first rotation axis RA1 (e.g., near the two side surfaces of the reflector support 1120). Therefore, when current is applied to the first coil 1143, a rotational force that causes the reflector 1110 and the reflector support 1120 to rotate about the first rotation axis RA1 can be generated through the electromagnetic interaction between the first magnet 1141 and the first coil 1143.

[0069] The first spherical member B1 can be individually housed in a receiving groove (not shown) formed in the reflector support 1120 and the rotation guide 1130. The first spherical member B1 can support the rotation of the reflector 1110 and the reflector support 1120 while rotating in situ while being housed in the receiving groove. The first spherical member B1 can be implemented in a modified form such as a hemispherical protrusion.

[0070] The reflector support 1120 may include a damper DP projecting toward the shield 1030. When the reflector support 1120 rotates about the first rotation axis RA1, the damper DP can prevent collisions between the reflector support 1120 and the shield 1030. In addition, the damper DP can limit the rotation range of the reflector support 1120.

[0071] The folding module 1100 may include a first sensing magnet 1145 and a first position sensor 1147 for sensing the position of the reflective member support 1120. The first sensing magnet 1145 may be disposed together with the first magnet 1141 on two side surfaces of the reflective member support 1120. The first position sensor 1147 may be mounted together with the first coil 1143 on the substrate 1040 and may be disposed on the housing 1010.

[0072] The first sensing magnet 1145 and the first position sensor 1147 can be arranged opposite each other in the first axis (X-axis) direction. The S pole (or N pole), neutral region, and N pole (or S pole) can be sequentially arranged in the second axis (Y-axis) direction on a surface of the first sensing magnet 1145 opposite to the first position sensor 1147. The first sensing magnet 1145 and the first magnet 1141 can be arranged at positions spaced apart from each other in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, and can be arranged such that regions of the first sensing magnet 1145 and the first magnet 1141 with the same polarity are adjacent to each other.

[0073] The first position sensor 1147 can be positioned at a location spaced apart from the first coil 1143, opposite to the neutral region of the first sensing magnet 1145. The first position sensor 1147 can sense the position of the reflector support 1120 by sensing the change in the magnetic field that occurs when the reflector 1110, etc., rotates about the first rotation axis RA1. For example, the first position sensor 1147 can be a Hall sensor.

[0074] The reflector support 1120 can be in close contact with the rotation guide 1130 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, and the first ball member B1 is inserted between the reflector support 1120 and the rotation guide 1130. A traction force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction can be applied to the space between the reflector support 1120 and the rotation guide 1130. In an exemplary embodiment, a traction magnet PM1 can be disposed on the reflector support 1120, and a traction yoke PY1 can be disposed on the rotation guide 1130. The traction magnet PM1 and the traction yoke PY1 can be arranged opposite each other in the second axis (Y-axis) direction and can generate an attractive force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. The positions of the traction magnet PM1 and the traction yoke PY1 can be interchanged.

[0075] The second drive unit 1150 may include a second magnet 1151 and a second coil 1153. The second magnet 1151 may be disposed on a side surface of the rotation guide 1130, and the second coil 1153 may be disposed on the housing 1010 opposite to the second magnet 1151. The second coil 1153 may be mounted on the substrate 1040.

[0076] The second magnet 1151 and the second coil 1153 can be arranged opposite each other in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The S pole (or N pole), the neutral region and the N pole (or S pole) can be arranged sequentially in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis) on a surface of the second magnet 1151 opposite to the second coil 1153.

[0077] A ball member (hereinafter referred to as the second ball member) B2 may be disposed between the rotation guide 1130 and the housing 1010. The rotation guide 1130 may be rotatably supported by the housing 1010, and the second ball member B2 is inserted between the rotation guide 1130 and the housing 1010.

[0078] The second spherical component B2 may include a plurality of spherical components spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis), and the virtual straight line connecting the second spherical component B2 may be the second rotation axis RA2.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, the driving force for rotating the reflector 1110, the reflector support 1120, and the rotation guide 1130 can be generated at a location spaced apart from the second rotation axis RA2 (e.g., near a side surface of the rotation guide 1130). Therefore, when current is applied to the second coil 1153, a rotational force can be generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second magnet 1151 and the second coil 1153, causing the reflector 1110, the reflector support 1120, and the rotation guide 1130 to rotate about the second rotation axis RA2.

[0080] The second spherical member B2 can be individually housed in a receiving groove (not shown) formed in the rotation guide 1130 and the housing 1010. The second spherical member B2 can support the rotation of the reflector 1110, the reflector support 1120, and the rotation guide 1130 while rotating in situ while housed in the receiving groove. The second spherical member B2 can be implemented in a modified form such as a hemispherical protrusion.

[0081] The camera module 1000 may include a stop 1051 disposed on the housing 1010. The stop 1051 can prevent direct collision between the molded parts and limit the rotation range of the folding module 1100.

[0082] The stop 1051 may include a damper projecting toward the reflector support 1120. The damper may be opposite the reflector support 1120 in both the second axis (Y-axis) and optical axis (Z-axis) directions. Therefore, when the folding module 1100 rotates about the first rotation axis RA1 and the second rotation axis RA2, the folding module 1100 may collide with the damper formed on the stop 1051. The stop 1051 may also include a damper projecting toward the lens carrier 1220, which will be described below.

[0083] The folding module 1100 may include a second sensing magnet 1155 and a second position sensor 1157 for sensing the position of the rotation guide 1130. The second sensing magnet 1155 may be disposed together with the second magnet 1151 on a side surface of the rotation guide 1130, and the second position sensor 1157 may be mounted together with the second coil 1153 on the substrate 1040 and may be disposed on the housing 1010.

[0084] The second sensing magnet 1155 and the second position sensor 1157 can be arranged opposite each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The S pole (or N pole), neutral region, and N pole (or S pole) can be sequentially arranged in the second axis (Y-axis) direction on a surface of the second sensing magnet 1155 opposite to the second position sensor 1157. The second sensing magnet 1155 and the second magnet 1151 can be arranged at positions diagonally spaced apart from each other, and can be arranged such that regions of the second sensing magnet 1155 and the second magnet 1151 with the same polarity are adjacent to each other.

[0085] The second position sensor 1157 can be positioned at a location spaced apart from the second coil 1153, opposite to the neutral region of the second sensing magnet 1155. The second position sensor 1157 can sense the position of the rotating guide 1130 by sensing the change in the magnetic field that occurs when the reflective member 1110, etc., rotates about the second rotation axis RA2. In a non-limiting example, the second position sensor 1157 can be a Hall sensor.

[0086] The rotation guide 1130 can be in close contact with the housing 1010 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, and the second ball member B2 is inserted between the rotation guide 1130 and the housing 1010. A traction force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction can be applied to the space between the rotation guide 1130 and the housing 1010. In an exemplary embodiment, a traction yoke PY2 can be disposed on the rotation guide 1130, and a traction magnet PM2 can be disposed on the housing 1010. The traction yoke PY2 and the traction magnet PM2 can be arranged opposite each other in the second axis (Y-axis) direction to generate an attractive force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. The positions of the traction yoke PY2 and the traction magnet PM2 can be interchanged.

[0087] Figure 9 This is a view of the arrangement state of the drive unit of the folding module according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 This is a view showing the positions of the first and second spherical components according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first spherical member B1 and the second spherical member B2 can be disposed in the space between the reflective surface 1112 of the reflective member 1110 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010. The first spherical member B1 and the second spherical member B2 can be disposed in the space between the reflective member 1110 and the housing 1010, so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. That is, the first spherical member B1 and the second spherical member B2 can be disposed at different heights in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. The first spherical member B1 can form a first rotation axis RA1, and the second spherical member B2 can form a second rotation axis RA2, such that the first rotation axis RA1 and the second rotation axis RA2 do not intersect each other.

[0089] A first spherical member B1 may be disposed between the reflector support 1120 and the rotation guide 1130, and may include a plurality of spherical members spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may correspond to the width direction of the incident surface 1111 of the reflector 1110. A second spherical member B2 may be disposed between the rotation guide 1130 and the housing 1010, and may include a plurality of spherical members spaced apart from each other in the first axis (X-axis direction). The first axis (X-axis direction) may correspond to the length direction of the incident surface 1111 of the reflector 1110. The second spherical member B2 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the center of the reflector 1110 in the second axis (Y-axis direction). In an exemplary embodiment, the spacing distance between the plurality of spherical members in the first axis (X-axis direction) may be less than the length of the incident surface 1111 of the reflector 1110 in the length direction. Therefore, when viewed in the second axis (Y-axis direction), the second spherical member B2 may overlap with the reflector 1110. The first axis (X-axis) direction can also correspond to the direction in which the two side surfaces 1114 and 1115 of the reflecting member 1110, which intersect with the incident surface 1111, the reflecting surface 1112, and the exit surface 1113, are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the spacing between the plurality of spherical members included in the second spherical member B2 in the first axis (X-axis) direction can be less than the distance between the two side surfaces 1114 and 1115 of the reflecting member 1110.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment, both the first spherical member B1 and the second spherical member B2 can be disposed in the space between the reflective surface 1112 of the reflective member 1110 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010, thereby reducing the size of the camera module 1000 in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0091] Figure 11 This is a view of an example of a shield being attached to a folding module according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the housing and substrate according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the shield 1030 and the housing 1010 may include stepped portions 1033 and 1013 respectively disposed at a corner portion of the shield 1030 and the housing 1010. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second spherical member B2 may be configured to be closer to the bottom surface of the housing 1010 than the shield 1030 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, thereby creating free space within the internal space of the housing 1010 in which the folding module 1100 is disposed. Therefore, to further reduce the size of the camera module 1000, the stepped portions 1033 and 1013 may be formed at a corner portion of the shield 1030 and the housing 1010, shaping the appearance of the camera module 1000. For example, the stepped portion 1033 of the shield 1030 may have a shape in which a portion of a corner portion of the shield 1030 is cut off, and the stepped portion 1013 of the housing 1010 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the stepped portion 1033 of the shield 1030.

[0093] A substrate 1040, on which a drive unit and the like are mounted, can be attached to the outer surface of the housing 1010. The substrate 1040 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and can be bent at the corner where two adjacent side surfaces of the housing 1010 intersect, so that the substrate 1040 can extend across the side surfaces of the housing 1010. Coils and the like involved in driving the folding module 1100 and the lens module 1200 can be mounted on the substrate 1040, and the coils and the like can be exposed to the internal space of the housing 1010 through through holes formed in the side surfaces of the housing 1010.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 1040 may include a clearance portion 1041 at a location corresponding to the position of the stepped portion 1013 of the housing 1010. For example, the stepped portion 1013 may be formed at the corner portion where two adjacent side surfaces of the housing 1010 intersect, and the clearance portion 1041 may be formed in a curved portion of the substrate 1040. The clearance portion 1041 may have a partially cut-out shape.

[0095] Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary lens module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may include a lens barrel 1210 on which a plurality of lenses are mounted, and a lens carrier portion 1220 to which the lens barrel 1210 is connected.

[0097] The lens carrier 1220 may include two side surfaces 1221a and 1221b spaced apart from each other and with the lens barrel 1210 disposed therebetween, and an insertion member 1223 disposed between the two side surfaces 1221a and 1221b, the insertion member 1223 forming the bottom surface of the lens carrier 1220. The insertion member 1223 may be configured to overlap with the lens barrel 1210 in a second axis (Y-axis) direction corresponding to the thickness direction of the camera module 1000.

[0098] According to an exemplary embodiment, the two side surfaces 1221a and 1221b of the lens support portion 1220 can be formed of a plastic material, and the insertion member 1223 can be formed of a metal material. The strength of the metal material can be greater than that of the plastic material. Therefore, when the insertion member 1223 forms the bottom surface of the lens support portion 1220, the height of the camera module 1000 can be reduced while maintaining structural rigidity. Additionally, a lens with a large diameter can be used without increasing the height of the camera module 1000.

[0099] The lens support portion 1220 can be manufactured using an insert molding method. That is, the two side surfaces 1221a and 1221b of the lens support portion 1220 and the insertion member 1223 can be integrally formed. Although not described in detail, in addition to the portion forming the bottom surface of the lens support portion 1220, the insertion member 1223 may also include a portion disposed on the inner side of the two side surfaces 1221a and 1221b of the lens support portion 1220.

[0100] Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 1010 may include an insertion member 1015, which forms the bottom surface of the internal space in which the lens support portion 1220 is disposed. For example, the bottom surface of the housing 1010 may include an opening 1011, and the insertion member 1015 may be disposed in the opening 1011 to form the bottom surface of the housing 1010.

[0101] For the same purpose as the insertion member 1223 that forms the bottom surface of the lens support portion 1220 described above, the insertion member 1015 may be formed of a metallic material. Specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may overlap with the insertion members 1223 and 1015 formed of metallic material in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, rather than with the plastic insert molding part, thereby maximizing the above-mentioned effects.

[0102] The housing 1010 can also be manufactured using an insert molding method.

[0103] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 can perform focusing operations on an object. The camera module 1000 can adjust the focus by moving multiple lenses in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0104] The lens support 1220 can be movably supported by the housing 1010. In this example, the lens support 1220 can be movably supported by the housing 1010 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The lens barrel 1210 can be connected to the lens support 1220, and multiple lenses can be mounted inside the lens barrel 1210, so that the lens barrel 1210 and the multiple lenses can also move together with the lens support 1220 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0105] The lens module 1200 may include a third drive unit 1230, which provides a driving force to move the lens carrier 1220 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0106] The third drive unit 1230 may include a third magnet 1231 and a third coil 1233. The third magnet 1231 may be disposed on a side surface 1221a of the lens support portion 1220, and the third coil 1233 may be disposed on the housing 1010 opposite to the third magnet 1231. The third coil 1233 may be mounted on the substrate 1040.

[0107] The third magnet 1231 and the third coil 1233 can be arranged opposite each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). The N pole (or S pole), the neutral region and the S pole (or N pole) can be arranged sequentially in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) on a surface of the third magnet 1231 opposite to the third coil 1233.

[0108] A ball member (hereinafter referred to as the third ball member) B3 may be disposed between the lens support portion 1220 and the housing 1010. The lens support portion 1220 may be movably supported by the housing 1010, and the third ball member B3 is inserted between the lens support portion 1220 and the housing 1010.

[0109] The third ball member B3 may include a plurality of ball members on one side of the lens support portion 1220 and one or more ball members on the opposite side of the lens support portion 1220. The lens support portion 1220 can be supported by the housing 1010 at three or more points via the third ball member B3.

[0110] The third ball member B3 can be accommodated in a guide groove (not shown) formed in the lens support portion 1220 and the housing 1010. The guide groove can extend in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and the third ball member B3 can roll along the guide groove to support the movement of the lens support portion 1220, etc., in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0111] The movement of the lens carrier 1220 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be relative to the housing 1010. The camera module 1000 may include a stop 1053 disposed on the housing 1010. The stop 1053 can prevent direct collision between the insert molded parts, while limiting the range of movement of the lens carrier 1220 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0112] A stop 1053 may be disposed on the housing 1010 to face the lens support 1220 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The stop 1053 may include a damper protruding toward the lens support 1220. The lens support 1220 may collide with the damper, thereby mitigating the impact that occurs during a collision.

[0113] The lens module 1200 may include a third position sensor 1235 for sensing the position of the lens carrier 1220. The third position sensor 1235 may be mounted on the substrate 1040 together with the third coil 1233, and may be disposed on the housing 1010.

[0114] The third position sensor 1235 can be configured to be opposite to the third magnet 1231 in the first axis (X-axis) direction. The third position sensor 1235 can be configured to be opposite to the neutral region of the third magnet 1231. The third position sensor 1235 can be a Hall sensor and can sense the change in the magnetic field that occurs when the lens support 1220, etc., moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, thereby sensing the position of the lens support 1220.

[0115] The lens support portion 1220 can be in close contact with the housing 1010 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, and the third ball member B3 is inserted between the lens support portion 1220 and the housing 1010. A traction force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction can be applied to the space between the lens support portion 1220 and the housing 1010. In an exemplary embodiment, a traction magnet 1241 can be provided on the lens support portion 1220. The traction magnet 1241 can be positioned opposite the insertion member 1015 forming the bottom surface of the housing 1010 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction to generate an attractive force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. That is, the insertion member 1015 can be used as a traction yoke.

[0116] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0117] Therefore, in addition to the above disclosure and all the accompanying drawings, the scope of this disclosure also includes the claims and their equivalents, that is, all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: case; A reflective member is disposed on the housing and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; The first ball component includes a plurality of ball components arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first rotation axis; as well as The second spherical component includes a plurality of spherical components arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis. The first spherical component and the second spherical component are disposed between the reflective component and the housing. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes, the second spherical component overlaps with the reflective component.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective member has a width in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis and a length in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The spacing between the plurality of spherical components in the second spherical component is less than the length of the reflective component.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first ball component and the second ball component are disposed at different heights in directions perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes. The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis do not intersect each other.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: The folding module includes the reflective member; as well as A lens module includes a plurality of lenses arranged in the optical axis direction and configured to move in the optical axis direction. Wherein, the first rotation axis is parallel to the optical axis direction.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The folding module also includes: A reflective element support, wherein the reflective element is mounted on the reflective element support; and A rotating guide, the reflective member bracket being supported on the rotating guide, and The reflective component support is supported by the rotation guide, and the first ball component is inserted between the reflective component support and the rotation guide, and the rotation guide is supported by the housing, and the second ball component is inserted between the rotation guide and the housing.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The folding module also includes: A first driving unit includes a first magnet disposed on the reflective member support and a first coil disposed on the housing opposite to the first magnet; and The second drive unit includes a second magnet disposed on the rotary guide and a second coil disposed on the housing opposite to the second magnet. The first coil and the second coil are mounted on the substrate and disposed on the housing.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The folding module also includes: A first sensing magnet is disposed on the reflective member support and spaced apart from the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes; and A second sensing magnet is disposed on the rotating guide and spaced diagonally from the second magnet.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The folding module also includes: A first position sensor is disposed on the housing opposite the first sensing magnet; and A second position sensor is disposed on the housing opposite the second sensing magnet, and The first position sensor and the second position sensor are respectively mounted on the substrate together with the first coil and the second coil, and are disposed on the housing.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The housing includes a stepped portion, wherein the stepped portion has a step at the corner where two adjacent side surfaces of the housing intersect in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The substrate includes a clearance portion at a position corresponding to the stepped portion, the clearance portion having a partially cut-out shape.

11. Camera module, including: The shell has an internal space; A folding module is disposed in the internal space and includes a reflective component; A lens module includes a plurality of lenses arranged in the optical axis direction and disposed relative to the folding module in the optical axis direction; as well as A shielding cover is attached to the housing to cover the internal space. The housing and the shield include a stepped portion, which has a step in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The step is located at one of the two corner portions of the housing and the shield adjacent to the folding module.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein: The folding module also includes: A reflective element support, wherein the reflective element is mounted on the reflective element support; and A rotating guide, the reflective member bracket being supported on the rotating guide, and The reflective member support is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis parallel to the optical axis, and the rotation guide is configured to rotate about a second rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The folding module also includes: A first spherical component is disposed between the reflective component support and the rotation guide; and The second ball component is disposed between the rotation guide and the housing, and The first spherical component and the second spherical component are disposed in the space between the reflective surface of the reflective component and the bottom surface of the housing.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The second ball component includes a plurality of ball components spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis, and The second spherical member is positioned at a location spaced apart from the center of the reflective member in a direction perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes.

15. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The second ball component includes a plurality of ball components spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second rotation axis, and The spacing between the plurality of spherical components is less than the length of the reflective component in the direction of the second rotation axis.

16. The camera module according to claim 11, further comprising: The substrate is configured to surround the side surface of the housing. The substrate includes a clearance portion at a position corresponding to the stepped portion of the housing, and the clearance portion has a partially cut-out shape.

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